Have you seen a lot of ads for VPNs, proxies and other types of tools for ensuring anonymity and information encoding? Do you still feel confused with these definitions and want to know all the details? Let’s figure it out!
By working with these technologies, your info and other data are better protected from snoopy curious eyes as it travels across the web. We should remember it when we’re using public Wi-Fi hotspots since they’re often unsecured.
Such systems help us stay incognito online, visit banned forums and get banned content online. But apart from the usual innocent user, the proxy and VPNs can be used by cybercriminals for their evil purposes. Such tools should be used for non-crime activities such as watching movies, listening to music or just scrolling the web pages. Otherwise, it can lead to problems with the law.
What does the word ‘proxy’ mean? Which of them is better? When do you need to use them? Let’s take a closer look at them to reveal all the secrets.
A Proxy Server And a VPN. What Are They?
- A proxy server serves as a mediator between your tool and the world wide network. Its server separates end users from the sites they browse. A proxy can be on your local computer, or a third-party service can host it. When browsing the web, your laptop transmits data to the server first. Then it requests to sites on behalf of your laptop and relays them back to you when the proxy receives results from the sites.
- A VPN encodes and sends data while it travels from one place to another. A VPN tunnel securely connects several devices by creating a virtual passageway. The data can be exchanged through that tunnel. When you connect to a VPN, your data goes through a tunnel before reaching the global web keeping your ‘secrets’ safe from scammers, snoopers, and the government. You stay safe, and your info remains for you only.
What Are the Types of Proxy?
Like VPNs, There are some proxy servers available. Each has a set of features and benefits. Here are some of the most common:
- Transparent proxies.These are usually installed by employers or parents to monitor users’ activities and restrict access to specific sites. For example, hotels and restaurants can use it to authenticate users via open wireless internet connections.
- Web proxies. You can visit resources your provider restrict with the help of HTTP tools.
- SOCKS proxies. They are unique than web proxies because they can withstand all types of internet traffic, not just web traffic. They’re often used for games and torrents. You can play games and download files without losing internet speed.
But the variety of solutions is literally expanding every day, and you should stay on top of popular VPNs. To do that, consider the VPNexpert website, which has a lot of helpful articles about modern privacy tools.
The Key Features of a VPN And the Proxy Services
The key features of those two systems are displayed below.
VPN | Proxy server |
---|---|
Protects everything leaving or arriving at the device | Saves your browser or app only |
Encodes the data | Doesn’t encode the data |
Changes IP address | Changes IP address |
More secure | Less secure |
But if you are interested in the cyber world, you can consider VPNxpert’s website. You can find much helpful instructions and articles about VPN and other algorithms used for privacy on the internet.
The blog also offers valuable information on watching American Netflix beyond the USA or other exciting tips for you.
Proxy and VPN Drawbacks
A proxy is only as secure as the person configuring it. If someone sets it to log all traffic, a proxy can be used to snoop on any traffic going through it. ISPs or others who has admission to the server can spy on users’ web traffic in that case. Additionally, they can be configured to strip away certain aspects of HTTPS, like encryption.
Unlike a proxy, a VPN’s encoding processes use lots of power, slowing down your internet. If the server is in a different area than you are, there can be a significant delay in response time. It happens because of the distance the traffic has to travel. Finally, some VPN providers keep logs of users’ web traffic, which could potentially be used to track a user’s online activity.
Proxy and VPN Benefits
These two systems also have some positive sides. Let’s read about them!
A proxy is:
- A very effective tool for changing your location.
- Great for protecting your privacy online.
- Relatively easy to set up and use.
- Not in need of any particular configuration on your part.
- A tool for hiding your IP address, that helps reach sites restricted in your area.
A VPN is:
- A more robust solution than a proxy for changing location.
- Remain you incognito.
- More difficult to set up and use.
- Encrypting all of the traffic going throughout the VPN tunnel, making it impossible for anyone to snoop on your web traffic.
- Allowing you to choose your server location, so you can select one located in an area with no restriction to the website you want to enter.
- Not keeping logs of users’ web traffic, so your online activity cannot be tracked.
A VPN vs Proxy: What Is Better?
When it comes to protecting users’ online privacy, both VPNs and proxies offer a similar level of protection. However, there are some critical differences between them that you need to be aware of. Proxies are high-speed than VPNs, but they provide less anonymity, and your location is still visible to the sites you visit.
VPNs, on the other hand, encrypt your traffic, making it more difficult for third parties to track your online activity. In addition, they offer high-level security by ensuring that your info goes through a safe tunnel. As a result, VPNs are often the preferred choice for users looking for a more comprehensive level of protection.
As a result, the answer to the question: ‘A VPN vs Proxy: What Is Better?’ can be pretty straightforward. It is: ‘Do you want to keep your IP under wraps? Use a proxy. A VPN would do all the rest.’
FAQ
Is a VPN the same as a proxy?
VPN tunnels are often confused with proxy servers. Proxies are often used to bypass restrictions or censorship, but they do not provide the same level of security as a VPN. A proxy server provides a gateway between your device and the internet, but it does not encrypt your traffic like a VPN tunnel. With a VPN tunnel, all of your traffic is encrypted before it leaves your device. This makes it much more difficult for anyone to intercept your data or track your online activity.
Why should I use a proxy?
A proxy server is the best if you want to get fast to set up and use tool. With one click, your IP address is hidden, and you are safe.
Should I use both a VPN and a proxy?
Yes, you can use both a VPN and a proxy server. However, we recommend using a VPN tunnel for most of your traffic to encrypt your data. You can use a proxy server for specific tasks, such as bypassing restrictions or censorship.
When should I use a proxy?
You might want to use a proxy server if you are trying to access a website blocked by your school or workplace or if you want to stay anonymous online. However, we recommend using a VPN tunnel for most of your traffic to encrypt your data.